Pulmonary tuberculosis continues to be a major health problem all over the world. Medical treatment with anti­biotics is effective in most cases. However, when medical treatment fails or complications develop, sur­gery is indicated. Between July 1994 and June 2000, fifty-two patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, thirty-six males and sixteen females, under­went major surgery at Mansoura Uni­versity Hospitals. Mean age was 35 years (range 22-54). Chronic suppu­ration and/or haemoptysis were the main symptoms. Eleven patients had positive sputum at the time of surgery. Thirteen patients had pleuro-pneumonectomy or pneumonectomy. Thirty-six had partial lung resection, two had decortication, and one had thoracoplasty. All patients received antibiotics for at least six months be­fore and nine months after surgery.
Post-pneumonectomy broncho-pleural fistula (BPF) was the most se­rious complication and accounted for
the two deaths in this series. Pro-
-?• longed air leak was the most common
complication. Five patients needed second operation. One-year follow up was complete and late follow up was complete in 80%. No late mortality or disease recurrence were reported. We conclude that surgery for pulmo­nary tuberculosis, when indicated is efficient and reliable in achieving cure with an acceptable mortality and mor­bidity.
Objective
To review the indications and as­sess the outcome of surgery in pa­tients with pulmonary tuberculosis.